Despite some bigger names and some returning series that already have dedicated fans, November isn’t a big month for new television series. It would seem that the film side is picking up the slack, while things are slowing down (for now) in television. That said, there are a few shows, in particular, that should catch the eye of those looking for their next binge. There’s the return of the immensely popular Netflix series “The Crown” with Olivia Coleman in the lead along with HBO’s “His Dark Materials” which will further expand the world it had set up in its first season. If anything, there’s plenty to catch up on from the rest of the year, especially since we’re coming to the time where year-end lists begin to make their rollout.
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“Industry”
What You Need to Know: Somehow managing to combine the collective energies of series such as “The Newsroom,” “Skins” and “Euphoria,” the latest HBO series “Industry” is an entertaining exploration of the world of finance. Created by first-time showrunners Mickey Down and Konrad Kay who drew from their own experiences for the series, “Industry” explores a world not often depicted with such high intensity. Despite some familiar faces such as Ken Leung as a mentor figure to our leading protagonist, the series is mainly supported by a cast of relative newcomers with Myha’la Herrold, Marisa Abela, David Jonsson and Harry Lawtey leading the charge as the four recent graduates facing mounting pressure and intercompany hierarchies. Lena Dunham executively produced the series (as well as directing the first episode) which should become an instant weekly fix for those looking for a show to deliver on high drama.
Release Date: Season one premieres November 9th on HBO.
“A Teacher”
What You Need to Know: Based on her film of the same name, filmmaker Hannah Fiddel expands on her 2013 feature “A Teacher” in the upcoming FX on Hulu series starring Kate Mara and Nick Robinson. While the film dealt with the affair between teacher and student, the series deals further with the aftermath as Mara’s character’s predatory behavior is further exposed. It’s a smart way to not just rehash the storyline of the film itself and Fidell, as shown in other work such as “6 Years” and “Sorry For Your Loss” is terrific and captures the ugly realities of toxic relationships. The series looks to shine a light on the intricacies of this kind of abuse and while it won’t be an easy watch, it’s one to keep an eye on for the performances and rich and timely storytelling.
Release Date: Season one premieres November 10th on FX on Hulu.
“The Crown”
What You Need To Know: The latest season of one of Netflix’s most popular scripted series’ returns this month. The fourth season will introduce a young Lady Diana Spencer played by Emma Corrin and cover, among other notable events, the marriage of Lady Diana and Prince Charles in July of 1981; complete with a near-identical replica of her ethereal wedding dress, famously designed by The Emanuels. Returning this season is the incomparable Olivia Coleman as Queen Elizabeth II, Tobias Menzies as Prince Phillip, and Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret. Newest cast members include Corrin, Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Charles Dance as Louis Mountbatten (Prince Phillip’s ever-ambitious uncle). The series is expected to cover the tumultuous period between the latter half of the 1970s through to 1990, and will encompass the occasionally tense relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher, as well as the evolution of the young and impressionable Lady Diana to the beloved People’s Princess she will inevitably become.
Release Date: Season four premieres November 15th on Netflix.